Old Point Loma Lighthouse, San Diego County Travel Guide

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Explore a historic lighthouse with panoramic views of San Diego's coastline and a glimpse into 19th-century maritime life.

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Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Perched atop the Point Loma peninsula, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse stands as a monument to California's maritime past. Built in 1855, it guided ships into San Diego Bay for over three decades. Though its lofty perch proved problematic due to fog, the lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into 19th-century lightkeeper life.

A brief summary to Old Point Loma Lighthouse

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, Point Loma, California, 92106, US
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Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Point Loma Lighthouse.

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking at Cabrillo National Monument can be limited.
Check the Cabrillo National Monument website for 'Open Tower Days' to climb to the top of the lighthouse.
Bring binoculars for whale watching (December to April) and to enhance the panoramic views.
Visit the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument during low tide for a chance to see marine life.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Old Town San Diego

Sunny Jim's Sea Cave

Cabrillo National Monument

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Getting There

Driving

From downtown San Diego, take North Harbor Drive to Rosecrans Street. Turn left onto Rosecrans, then right onto Talbot Street. Turn left onto Catalina Boulevard and follow it to Cabrillo National Monument. There is a $20 entrance fee per vehicle. Parking is available near the Visitor Center, a short walk from the lighthouse.
Public Transport

From downtown San Diego, take the MTS bus Route 923 to Narragansett Av & Chatsworth Bl. From there, transfer to Route 84 which stops at the Cabrillo National Monument visitor center. The bus stop is conveniently located near the visitor center complex. A one-way fare on MTS is $2.50. Note that Route 84 does not go to the tidepool area. The entrance fee to the National Monument is $10 per person.
Taxi/Ride-share

From downtown San Diego, a taxi or ride-share to Cabrillo National Monument takes approximately 10 minutes and costs between $24 and $29. This will drop you off at the entrance to Cabrillo National Monument, where you will still need to pay the $20 entrance fee per vehicle or $10 per person.

Discover more about Old Point Loma Lighthouse

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, located within Cabrillo National Monument, offers visitors a unique blend of history and breathtaking scenery. Constructed in 1855, it was one of the first eight lighthouses on the California coast, guiding ships into San Diego Bay for 36 years.Its location, 422 feet above sea level, initially seemed ideal. However, the height often obscured the light due to fog, leading to the construction of a new lighthouse closer to the water in 1891. Today, the restored lighthouse serves as a museum, furnished to reflect the 1880s period. Visitors can explore the living quarters, including the kitchen, dining room, and bedrooms, and imagine the daily lives of the lightkeepers and their families.The lighthouse grounds offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, and the city skyline. On special occasions, the tower is open, allowing visitors to climb to the top and see a Fresnel lens. Adjacent to the lighthouse, a replica of the assistant keeper's dwelling houses exhibits about the lighthouse and local marine life. The site also includes a military history exhibit in a former Army radio station, highlighting Point Loma's role in coastal defense during World War II.